Punta Arenas is one of those places that isn't easily overseen and attracts many travelers. Except for being just a boat tour away from Isla Maddalena (also called Penguin Island), Punta Arenas is also the main stop before heading to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. If you're traveling through Chile, then you'll most likely want to include Punta Arenas in your travel plans. 

Consider this 14-day trip filled with hiking, trekking, and sightseeing. You'll be going through some of the best places in Chile. Now, let's explore how you can get to Punta Arenas from some of the most common travel destinations in Chile.

From Santiago

The journey to Punta Arenas from Santiago is traveled best by plane. The flight takes 3.5 hours, and altogether you can expect a six-hour journey. You'll be flying from Santiago International Airport (SCL) and arriving at the Presidente Carlos Ibáñez International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. Once you land, you can take a private transfer or a bus to the city center, which only takes 20 minutes. 

There are other options for this trip, like driving a car or taking the bus, but it is a several-day trip, so it's only suitable if you want to make this a sightseeing route. You can find more details about these travel options in this article. 

From Puerto Natales

Getting from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas is easy and can be done by car, bus, or private transfer. It takes approximately three hours to get here. Along the way, you can make several stops for sightseeing, such as visiting Cueva del Milodón and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon). Spend 2-3 hours at each place and go for a hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. If you decide to rent your own car, then just keep on Route 9. 

Getting on a bus is pretty straightforward and takes three hours. The buses run frequently, and Bus Sur is one of the best companies to travel with. 

From Torres del Paine

From Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas, it is a 4-5-hour drive on Route 9. You can also get a private transfer or get on a bus via Puerto Natales. If you're driving, you can make a stop at Logo del Toro and then spend a few hours at the Cueva del Milodón, which you'll reach by making an exit and getting on Route Y-290. Another option is to book a private transfer, which also takes approximately 4-5 hours.

The last option is to travel by bus via Puerto Natales, where you'll either get on the next bus or get a transfer. This journey takes between five and seven hours, and the fastest way is to get a transfer from Puerto Natales. 

From Coyhaique

Traveling from Coyhaique to Punta Arenas is a quick journey of three hours. First, you'll take a bus or a taxi to the Balmaceda Airport (BBA), which takes approximately one hour. You'll then get on a 30-minute flight to Punta Arenas, and from here, it's only a 10-minute ride to Punta Arenas city. The buses from Coyhaique to Balmaceda only run three times per day, so booking a transfer or getting a taxi might be a good option.